🏃‍♂️ Dave’s “No Days Off”: Aldi Store Manager Running 5K Every Day for a Year for Teenage Cancer Trust

Dave Cotton doesn’t believe in taking days off. In fact, for an entire year, he’s proving it – one 5K at a time.

 

The Burton-born Aldi store manager is currently in the middle of an extraordinary personal challenge: running 5 kilometres every single day for 365 days to raise money – and awareness – for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

 

He’s calling it “No Days Off: 5K for 365”, and this Friday (16th January 2026), Dave will lace up his trainers for his 50th run, marking a major milestone in a journey that will end, quite poetically, on his 50th birthday this November.

 

 

A Man on a Mission

 

Dave, who now manages Aldi Swadlincote, is no stranger to pushing himself. A lifelong Burton Albion supporter, dad of two, and seasoned long-distance runner, he’s completed over 100 half marathons and eight full marathons – including two in the same week.

 

But this challenge is his most ambitious yet.

 

“It’s about more than just the miles,” Dave says. “Young people battling cancer don’t get a day off, so I won’t either.”

 

And he means it. Come rain, wind or Staffordshire frost, Dave has already clocked up over 155 miles since starting in late November, with most of his runs taking place in and around Burton, where he lives.

 

 

Why Teenage Cancer Trust?

 

Aldi UK has proudly supported Teenage Cancer Trust as its national charity partner for several years, but for Dave and the team, it’s personal.

“Being a teenager is hard enough without having to deal with a cancer diagnosis on top of it,” Dave says. “That’s why I’m doing this. Every run, every donation - it’s all to help make sure young people facing cancer get the support they need.”

Over the past three years, the Swadlincote Aldi team – with Dave and co-organiser Natalie Kelly at the heart of it – has baked, raffled, and even Wolf Run-ned their way to an impressive £5,000 for the cause. Last December, Dave took things up a notch by running 24 miles to every Aldi store in their area group – from Ashby to Derby – raising over £1,300 in the process.

 

 

Community Spirit in Full Stride

 

The Aldi staff have rallied behind Dave’s year-long campaign. A “Couch to 5K” programme is underway in store to get colleagues moving, and other Aldi staff members – locally and from further afield – are joining Dave on selected runs.

 

The local community has also shown warm support. “People are always generous when we do raffles or events,” Natalie says. “Now that Dave’s challenge is gaining momentum, the positivity and encouragement have been amazing.”

 

 

How You Can Support Dave

 

If you'd like to cheer Dave on – or contribute to the cause – here’s how:

👉 Donate or track his progress via his JustGiving page
👉 Join the conversation and follow his journey on Facebook: Dave's 5k for 365 Challenge Group

 

Every step Dave takes helps raise funds and awareness for an organisation doing vital work. And with 315 runs still to go, there’s plenty of time for the Burton and Swadlincote communities to get involved.

 

Whether you fancy running a stretch with him, chipping in with a donation, or simply giving him a wave if you spot him running past Stapenhill Gardens - it all makes a difference.

 

From all of us at the Insider: Dave, we’re right behind you. Now get your laces tied - run number 50 awaits. 🏃‍♂️💪

 

 

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